SOUTHWEST RANCHES, Fla. – High school students at Broward County Public Schools were greeted with long lines, while trying to get to class for the first day of school on Monday.
“It’s horrible actually, because she’s going to be standing out in the sun for who knows how long. There are so many kids out,” said Leticia Abaladejo, a parent dropping off a student.
Sky 10 captured the line outside of Flanagan High School in Pembroke Pines stretching well past the gates and extending toward the street.
Some students waited in line for more than an hour.
“I came to school thinking I was going to get in easy peasy but it was a very long line,” said Davens Jean-Francois, a student a Flanagan High School.
The massive hold up was caused by the new metal detectors the district has placed at the entrance to all high schools.
While many parents agree with the added safety measures, most had hoped any issues would have been worked out.
“So, it’s good but it’s also bad. They have to like figure out a way to speed up that process, to get them through the metal detectors for sure,” said Abaladejo.
“I think they need to be more organized. But I understand that it’s the first day,” said another parent.
The first day started before sunrise. 800 bus drivers reported for duty and prepared to pick up students for the first day of the 2024-2025 school year.
“We did some dry runs on Thursday, Friday and Saturday. To practice the runs, make sure that we have everything down pat,” said Paul Robinson, a driver for the district.
In all, the Broward school district has a fleet of about 1200 school buses, including up to 60 zero-emission all-electric buses.
Every single one of those buses is equipped with GPS technology which allows for real-time tracking and any potential emergency response. Leading up to Monday, the district’s 800 bus drivers have been busy practicing their new routes out on the roads.
The district has more than 750 different school bus routes to help get kids to and from class and while the focus has been on learning those new routes.
Last week, Local 10 News spoke to district transportation officials, who had a few pieces of advice for parents who may have forgotten some of the basics when it comes to catching the bus on the first day of school.
“We recommend all parents be at the stop 10 minutes before the bus time. We recommend that they are with their child at the stop for security reasons so they can know where the child is, and the child can be secure. We also recommend that they be on the sidewalk not in the road and wait to the bus comes to a complete stop before trying to get on it,” said Dr. Simone Clowers, BCPS transportation.
While long lines were an issue on Monday, many parents hope the process will be adjusted to ensure students get to class on time, especially if there is bad weather.
“I would have taken her home honestly. I’m not going to make her stand in the rain to go through a metal detector. I’m not,” said Albaladejo.